20.12.2018
The Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC), World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) and Turkey’s national federation ran a week-long seminar for baseball and sofball coaches and umpires in the City of Antalya, Turkey from 13-19 December.
The seminar, supported by the International Olympic Commitee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity fund, saw approxamitely 70 coaches, athletes and umpires learn about basic rules, strategies and practical sessions for baseball and softball. The seminar was led by experienced coaches and umpires which were provided by WBSC and the European Sofball Federation (ESF).
Participants were awarded certificates on completion of the seminar.
“Motivated us to spread the sport”
University student Berat Altınbaş who was amongst the participants said:
“The course has allowed us to increase our technical knowledge which we will use a driving force to spread the sport in our country.”
“We will convey our knowledge to our students”
Oğuz Ateş, a senior student who is training to become a physical education teacher said:
“This course provided us with a great opportunity to improve ourselves. The profound knowledge of the instructors about this sport and the desire to teach will enable us to convey the most accurate and current knowledge to our students in the same way”
”Participants eager to learn“
WBSC baseball coach Andrea D'Auria said:
"With this course, we aimed to make contributions to the popularisation and development of baseball and softball in Turkey. Athletes and coaches who participated in the seminar were keen to learn and very willing to improve themselves. I believe that we will soon see the benefits of the seminar if participants can convey their knowledge and experience to other athletes and coaches in Turkey”
"We want to see softball's development in Turkey"
ESF softball umpire Raoul Machalet said:
“Through this course we want to contribute to the growth of a new generation interested in softball. We want to develop and grow the sport of softball. We want a country that has experienced athletes and coaches who participate at European competitions.
“We will take the fruit of seminar in the best way.”
In Turkey, the national rugby federation is responsible for developing the sports of baseball and softball. Turkey’s Rugby Federation President Murat Pazan said:
"Participants learned the intricacies of these sports from the best coaches and umpires. I believe we will see the benefits of this seminar in the upcoming years. I would like to thank the TOC, IOC and WBSC for their support in organising the seminar.”